Computer Problems Plague Opening-Day Betting at Saratoga

Computer problems frustrated a record opening-day crowd of 30,658 at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, and track officials said today’s card might be canceled if the problem is not fixed by morning.

“There’s some sort of gremlin running around that software, and we can’t find it,” said Gerard McKeon, president of the New York Racing Assn. “If we can’t get it fixed . . . we’re going to announce (the cancellation) at about 9 a.m. tomorrow.”

The computer problem extended Wednesday’s nine-race card by an hour and cost NYRA about $1.5 million in handle, McKeon said. Pari-mutuel machines and the track’s tote boards were also affected by the problem.

Wednesday’s handle was $2,127,641, down more than $1 million from last year’s opening day, when 6,000 fewer people attended.

If Thursday’s card goes off as scheduled, McKeon said grandstand admission would be free and clubhouse admission would be reduced from $5 to $3.

While the races might be run, there is a chance that no wagering will be accepted, he said.

Local officials say the racing season pumps about $10 million into Saratoga’s economy, not including the $3 million wagered each day of the track’s 24-day meeting. Many businesses will make 20 to 50% of their revenues in August.

In Wednesday’s feature, longshot Golden Reef, ridden by Jose Santos, scored a three-length victory in the $90,600 Schuylerville Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.

Runner-up Lucy’s Glory closed fast between horses and Miss Cox’s Hat was another head back.

The victory was the second in two starts for Golden Reef, a daughter of Mr. Prospector-Virginia Reef. She covered the six furlongs on a fast track in 1:10 2/5 to earn $54,360 for Buckland Farm. Golden Reef returned $40.20, $14.40 and $8.60. Lucy’s Glory paid $6.40 and $4.60, and Miss Cox’s Hat paid $10.

Steinlen, ridden by Angel Cordero, and Highland Springs won split divisions of the day’s co-feature, the Daryl’s Joy Stakes for 3-year-olds and up.

Racing over the firm Main Turf Course, Steinlen covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:41. Highland Springs went the same distance in 1:41 3/5.

Steinlen returned $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Expensive Decison paid $3.40 and $2.60, and Sparkling Wit returned $4.20. In the second division, Highland Springs returned $30, $7.40 and $3.40. Fourstardave paid $3.20 and $2.20 and Soviet Lad returned $2.60.